Assisted Living: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Nursing Home Activities
At the heart of any nursing or assisted living home is the activity program. It is an integral part of the cultural change movement and central to person-centered care. It is essential for resident quality of life.
At the heart of any nursing or assisted living home is the activity program. It is an integral part of the cultural change movement and central to person-centered care. It is essential for resident quality of life.
MDS 3.0 What You Need to Know
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) tool for care management in nursing homes is called the Minimum Data Set (MDS), a core set of screening and assessment elements that is part of a Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI). The RAI provides a comprehensive and standardized assessment of each long-term care facility resident's functional capabilities and helps staff to identify health problems. MDS 3.0 was introduced in the fall of 2010. This article provides an overview.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) tool for care management in nursing homes is called the Minimum Data Set (MDS), a core set of screening and assessment elements that is part of a Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI). The RAI provides a comprehensive and standardized assessment of each long-term care facility resident's functional capabilities and helps staff to identify health problems. MDS 3.0 was introduced in the fall of 2010. This article provides an overview.
Aging Trends
There are almost 40 million people aged 65+ in the United States. That is almost 13% of the population. By 2030 there will be more than 72 million older persons making up 19% of the population. That Spells opportunity.
There are almost 40 million people aged 65+ in the United States. That is almost 13% of the population. By 2030 there will be more than 72 million older persons making up 19% of the population. That Spells opportunity.
New Requirements for ADs
As more baby boomers enter retirement, more than ever there is a need for qualified activity directors. To this end, the National Certification Council of Activity Professionals (NCCAP) has put in place a new national exam designed to elevate the level of the profession and practitioner.
As more baby boomers enter retirement, more than ever there is a need for qualified activity directors. To this end, the National Certification Council of Activity Professionals (NCCAP) has put in place a new national exam designed to elevate the level of the profession and practitioner.
Nursing Home Administrator
The nursing home administrator is a leader in the organization who not only directs its operations but in a large part is responsible for setting the tone of the culture. Now more than ever, true leaders are needed in this area of healthcare. Let's look at this position, its responsibilities, training requirements, expected salary and career advancement opportunities.
The nursing home administrator is a leader in the organization who not only directs its operations but in a large part is responsible for setting the tone of the culture. Now more than ever, true leaders are needed in this area of healthcare. Let's look at this position, its responsibilities, training requirements, expected salary and career advancement opportunities.
Activities in Nursing Homes
An individualized, well though out activities program is at the heart of a quality life for residents in nursing homes or assisted living residences. Activities is not just about bingo and watching television. In fact, activity programs can be quite creative and stimulating for the mind. And the health and well-being benefits of a good program are becoming more and more documented. In short, this stuff works.
An individualized, well though out activities program is at the heart of a quality life for residents in nursing homes or assisted living residences. Activities is not just about bingo and watching television. In fact, activity programs can be quite creative and stimulating for the mind. And the health and well-being benefits of a good program are becoming more and more documented. In short, this stuff works.
Resident-Centered Food Services
Food services in long-term care has come a long way, both in quality and taste as well as service and choice. Resident-centered food service is an essential part of the culture change movement in long-term care homes. Simple things to you and I like eating when you want, what you want and where you want have been, up until recently, something foreign to long-term care.
Food services in long-term care has come a long way, both in quality and taste as well as service and choice. Resident-centered food service is an essential part of the culture change movement in long-term care homes. Simple things to you and I like eating when you want, what you want and where you want have been, up until recently, something foreign to long-term care.
Starting a Home Care Business
With an increased desire to “age in place”, more and more services are being delivered straight to the home. One of the fastest growing businesses is non-medical home care.
With an increased desire to “age in place”, more and more services are being delivered straight to the home. One of the fastest growing businesses is non-medical home care.
Medicaid Claim
This article covers how to become a Medicaid provider and file a claim with Medicaid.
This article covers how to become a Medicaid provider and file a claim with Medicaid.
Conducting a Marketing Audit
Whether you are an organization of 5,000 or 5, marketing will be the key to success. Yet many organizations do not know where to begin. And even organizations with highly-skilled marketing departments may not have their priorities in place. A marketing audit could be the most valuable investment you make in your company.
Whether you are an organization of 5,000 or 5, marketing will be the key to success. Yet many organizations do not know where to begin. And even organizations with highly-skilled marketing departments may not have their priorities in place. A marketing audit could be the most valuable investment you make in your company.
The Activity Professional
Do you enjoy working with the elderly? Do you like a job that requires flexibility, ongoing learning, organization, communication skills and openness to new experiences? Then a career as an activity professional may be for you!
Do you enjoy working with the elderly? Do you like a job that requires flexibility, ongoing learning, organization, communication skills and openness to new experiences? Then a career as an activity professional may be for you!
Activities for Men
In most retirement communities women residents outnumber the men. It’s a fact of life for most activity directors but planning for men’s activities is also a must. In this article we look at some ideas for successful men’s programming.
In most retirement communities women residents outnumber the men. It’s a fact of life for most activity directors but planning for men’s activities is also a must. In this article we look at some ideas for successful men’s programming.
Recharge Your Marketing
Is your assisted living marketing and sales approach stale? Do you need to recharge your marketing to increase referrals and closes? Getting to a full occupancy and being profitable in today’s business environment requires a totally different marketing approach. By continuing to pursue the same old, ineffective methods, you will get the same old results. Here are six suggestions to get you thinking.
Is your assisted living marketing and sales approach stale? Do you need to recharge your marketing to increase referrals and closes? Getting to a full occupancy and being profitable in today’s business environment requires a totally different marketing approach. By continuing to pursue the same old, ineffective methods, you will get the same old results. Here are six suggestions to get you thinking.
Designing the Nursing Home of the Future
While the desire for most people is to age in place, you don’t need to dig far to find the crippling health statistics that suggest people will need nursing homes and assisted living homes. Designing the home of the future with a focus on person-centered care will be crucial. Future residents will demand a different model.
While the desire for most people is to age in place, you don’t need to dig far to find the crippling health statistics that suggest people will need nursing homes and assisted living homes. Designing the home of the future with a focus on person-centered care will be crucial. Future residents will demand a different model.
Becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Residential living communities for seniors share more than an aging population. Each has a unique responsibility to provide for the mental well being of their residents. The activities program is one way to provide for that well being and the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is a unique individual specially-trained to administer an effective activities program.
Residential living communities for seniors share more than an aging population. Each has a unique responsibility to provide for the mental well being of their residents. The activities program is one way to provide for that well being and the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist is a unique individual specially-trained to administer an effective activities program.
The Rise of Home Health Care
According to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, home care began in the US in the 1880’s. Approximately 12 million individuals currently receive care from more than 33,000 providers. In 2009, annual expenditures for home health care were projected to be $72.2 billion. With a continued emphasis on aging in place, home care will continue to have its place in the aging continuum but it is not without its challenges.
According to the National Association for Home Care and Hospice, home care began in the US in the 1880’s. Approximately 12 million individuals currently receive care from more than 33,000 providers. In 2009, annual expenditures for home health care were projected to be $72.2 billion. With a continued emphasis on aging in place, home care will continue to have its place in the aging continuum but it is not without its challenges.
Director of Nursing
The Director of Nursing Services (DON) works in concert with the Administrator and directs the Nursing Department to maintain quality standards of care in accordance with Federal, State and facility standards, guidelines and regulations.
The Director of Nursing Services (DON) works in concert with the Administrator and directs the Nursing Department to maintain quality standards of care in accordance with Federal, State and facility standards, guidelines and regulations.
Brand Extensions
Brand extension is a marketing strategy used to leverage an organization's good name through related and complementary product and service offerings.
Brand extension is a marketing strategy used to leverage an organization's good name through related and complementary product and service offerings.
Chair Chi
Chair Chi is an exercise program based on the principals of Tai Chi Chuan, but designed for the elderly in retirement communities, assisted living, personal care homes, nursing homes and adult day centers.
Chair Chi is an exercise program based on the principals of Tai Chi Chuan, but designed for the elderly in retirement communities, assisted living, personal care homes, nursing homes and adult day centers.
MDS 3.0 By the Category
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) tool for facilitating care management in nursing homes is called the Minimum Data Set (MDS), a core set of screening and assessment elements that is part of a Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI). The RAI provides a comprehensive and standardized assessment of each long-term care facility resident's functional capabilities and helps staff to identify health problems. In this series, we examine seven areas of care.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) tool for facilitating care management in nursing homes is called the Minimum Data Set (MDS), a core set of screening and assessment elements that is part of a Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI). The RAI provides a comprehensive and standardized assessment of each long-term care facility resident's functional capabilities and helps staff to identify health problems. In this series, we examine seven areas of care.
Adult Day Services Rules and Regs
With the growing trend for payers to want to keep people out of assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, other aging services become increasingly important. One of those is adult day care or adult day services (ADS). And with increased importance comes increased scrutiny. This article provides an overview of adult day care rules and regulations. They will continue to evolve.
With the growing trend for payers to want to keep people out of assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, other aging services become increasingly important. One of those is adult day care or adult day services (ADS). And with increased importance comes increased scrutiny. This article provides an overview of adult day care rules and regulations. They will continue to evolve.
Adult Day Care
As society moves away from institutionalized care to home based care and aging in place, the vital role that adult day services play will grow. Now is the time to consider this as a viable business option. The MetLife Mature Market Institute report on adult day care sheds light on this growing industry. Elder day care offers both respite for caregivers as well a much needed socialization for seniors.
As society moves away from institutionalized care to home based care and aging in place, the vital role that adult day services play will grow. Now is the time to consider this as a viable business option. The MetLife Mature Market Institute report on adult day care sheds light on this growing industry. Elder day care offers both respite for caregivers as well a much needed socialization for seniors.
MDS 3.0
It is important to accurately capturing ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) data when completing scheduled MDS 3.0 assessments for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement purposes. While compliance is needed for reimbursement, it is also essential to have an accurately completed MDS 3.0 assessment so that an individualized plan of care can be developed.
It is important to accurately capturing ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) data when completing scheduled MDS 3.0 assessments for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement purposes. While compliance is needed for reimbursement, it is also essential to have an accurately completed MDS 3.0 assessment so that an individualized plan of care can be developed.
Staff Evaluations
Employee evaluations are deadly. Deadly because they often ask the wrong questions. Were you absent? How often were you tardy? How often was your documentation late or missing? When was the last time you saw an evaluation form that said: I saw you take a resident outside on a sunny day ____ many times this year. I saw you bring a smile to a resident's face ____ many times this year. Perhaps evaluating from the heart and not the head is in order. See how one administrator did it in his facility.
Employee evaluations are deadly. Deadly because they often ask the wrong questions. Were you absent? How often were you tardy? How often was your documentation late or missing? When was the last time you saw an evaluation form that said: I saw you take a resident outside on a sunny day ____ many times this year. I saw you bring a smile to a resident's face ____ many times this year. Perhaps evaluating from the heart and not the head is in order. See how one administrator did it in his facility.
One on One Activities
Activity directors spend a lot of time planning engaging programs for their residents. Despite working hard to offer a variety of programming for residents of all ages and abilities, there is still the task of serving residents who by desire or illness refuse to leave their rooms.
Activity directors spend a lot of time planning engaging programs for their residents. Despite working hard to offer a variety of programming for residents of all ages and abilities, there is still the task of serving residents who by desire or illness refuse to leave their rooms.
The Hospice Care Team
The hospice care team is obviously an integral part of a person’s care that assure that the there is a true quality of life at the end of life.
The hospice care team is obviously an integral part of a person’s care that assure that the there is a true quality of life at the end of life.
Environmental Services in Long-Term Care
Environmental services in long-term care across all settings is more than just keeping a clean and safe environment. It is also about providing a home to residents. The greatest challenge a long-term care environmental services team faces is embracing the psychological and emotional toll residential care puts on the residents and their families.
Environmental services in long-term care across all settings is more than just keeping a clean and safe environment. It is also about providing a home to residents. The greatest challenge a long-term care environmental services team faces is embracing the psychological and emotional toll residential care puts on the residents and their families.
CCRC, Assisted Living, SNF
If you are new to aging services and are considering a career that involves caring for elders in a home-like environment, you need to know the differences between a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), an Assisted Living Facility (AL), and a Skilled Nursing Facility or Nursing Home (SNF.
If you are new to aging services and are considering a career that involves caring for elders in a home-like environment, you need to know the differences between a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), an Assisted Living Facility (AL), and a Skilled Nursing Facility or Nursing Home (SNF.
Memory Care
Site, smell, sounds, touch all invoke memories and an effective activities program that incorporates memory care can really add to the quality of life of elders and others who we encounter in aging services across the continuum of care. Here's how to do it.
Site, smell, sounds, touch all invoke memories and an effective activities program that incorporates memory care can really add to the quality of life of elders and others who we encounter in aging services across the continuum of care. Here's how to do it.
PACE Program
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a comprehensive care delivery system that allows what traditionally would be thought of as nursing home residents to continue living at home while receiving services.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a comprehensive care delivery system that allows what traditionally would be thought of as nursing home residents to continue living at home while receiving services.
Sex in Nursing Homes
Many older Americans routinely engage in vaginal intercourse, oral sex and masturbation according to a federally funded study published by the New England Journal of Medicine. Yet sex in long-term care facilities among residents is still a taboo subject. Let's look at this a little closer.
Many older Americans routinely engage in vaginal intercourse, oral sex and masturbation according to a federally funded study published by the New England Journal of Medicine. Yet sex in long-term care facilities among residents is still a taboo subject. Let's look at this a little closer.
Music for the Dying
Activity professionals in care facilities are often faced with assisting a resident, and with them their friends and families, through a final journey. Hearing is the last sense we lose as our bodies shut down. So therapeutic music is a very important program to offer residents.
Activity professionals in care facilities are often faced with assisting a resident, and with them their friends and families, through a final journey. Hearing is the last sense we lose as our bodies shut down. So therapeutic music is a very important program to offer residents.
Career Ladders in Long-Term Car
One of the workforce issues in long-term care is that for many it is simply a job and not a career. With low retention and high turnover, low wages and minimal benefits, workers cannot see clearly that there is a career progression. In this article hub we look at the concept of career ladders in long-term care, especially important for certified nursing assistants (CNA) and home health aides (HHA).
One of the workforce issues in long-term care is that for many it is simply a job and not a career. With low retention and high turnover, low wages and minimal benefits, workers cannot see clearly that there is a career progression. In this article hub we look at the concept of career ladders in long-term care, especially important for certified nursing assistants (CNA) and home health aides (HHA).
Art Projects for Residents
Art projects for seniors can enhance their quality of life while helping them learn a new skill. One innovative program brings a professional artist and all the needed supplies to help residents of all skill levels, beginners to professionals, and all cognitive levels, independent through dementia, express their talents.
Art projects for seniors can enhance their quality of life while helping them learn a new skill. One innovative program brings a professional artist and all the needed supplies to help residents of all skill levels, beginners to professionals, and all cognitive levels, independent through dementia, express their talents.
Assisted Living Sales
Assisted Living Sales is a competitive marketplace. After all you are "selling" something that most people
Assisted Living Sales is a competitive marketplace. After all you are "selling" something that most people
Healthcare CRM
CRM, or Customer Relationship Management, is a business strategy designed to reduce costs and increase profitability by solidifying customer loyalty. This allows customer facing employees in such areas as sales, customer support, and marketing to make quick yet informed decisions on everything from cross-selling and upselling opportunities to target marketing strategies to competitive positioning tactics. In long-term care it can also go a long way in enhancing the resident/patient experience.
CRM, or Customer Relationship Management, is a business strategy designed to reduce costs and increase profitability by solidifying customer loyalty. This allows customer facing employees in such areas as sales, customer support, and marketing to make quick yet informed decisions on everything from cross-selling and upselling opportunities to target marketing strategies to competitive positioning tactics. In long-term care it can also go a long way in enhancing the resident/patient experience.
Books for Activity Professionals
The best tool for any activity director is education! There is valuable information in the activity director certification as well as the college courses required for certified therapeutic recreation specialists. There is also another source of information - the printed word. The newest research into brain chemistry, the aging process, dementia and other issues confronting seniors is addressed in numerous books with scientifically proven ideas. Let's take a look.
The best tool for any activity director is education! There is valuable information in the activity director certification as well as the college courses required for certified therapeutic recreation specialists. There is also another source of information - the printed word. The newest research into brain chemistry, the aging process, dementia and other issues confronting seniors is addressed in numerous books with scientifically proven ideas. Let's take a look.
Cultural Sensitivity in Nursing Homes
Alleged incidents of abuse, neglect and mistreatment among different races, classes and religious groups in long-term care facilities has been reported. Being aware of cultural differences and knowing that they can impact care delivery is important. And the development of culturally sensitive programs can help bridge differences, positively impact care and lead to increased resident, family and employee satisfaction.
Alleged incidents of abuse, neglect and mistreatment among different races, classes and religious groups in long-term care facilities has been reported. Being aware of cultural differences and knowing that they can impact care delivery is important. And the development of culturally sensitive programs can help bridge differences, positively impact care and lead to increased resident, family and employee satisfaction.
Telling Your Life Story
Writing workshops with small groups of residents as well as in one-on-one sessions can produce personalized articles, booklets, books and/or DVDs as mini-biographies to share with family and friends.
Writing workshops with small groups of residents as well as in one-on-one sessions can produce personalized articles, booklets, books and/or DVDs as mini-biographies to share with family and friends.
Hospice Facts and Stats
Hospice Facts and Stats tell a compelling story of a growing business and a diversified patient mix.
Hospice Facts and Stats tell a compelling story of a growing business and a diversified patient mix.
Carnival Time
Everyone has a memory of going to a carnival. Yet many of our elders are no longer capable of getting out to one. Solution - bring the carnival to them. Here's how to stage a carnival in your facility. No clowning around!
Everyone has a memory of going to a carnival. Yet many of our elders are no longer capable of getting out to one. Solution - bring the carnival to them. Here's how to stage a carnival in your facility. No clowning around!
Science for Seniors
Using science for seniors as part of your activities program can help stimulate the brain and contribute to resident quality of life. A one-hour hands-on program called Science for Seniors, created by the author has four parts: select a topic, present fun facts, watch a video on the subject and do a safe experiment with residents. Let's experiment.
Using science for seniors as part of your activities program can help stimulate the brain and contribute to resident quality of life. A one-hour hands-on program called Science for Seniors, created by the author has four parts: select a topic, present fun facts, watch a video on the subject and do a safe experiment with residents. Let's experiment.
Employee Retention
Direct care workers have hard jobs, are low paid, and nearly ever receive the rewards and recognition deserved. That is why employee retention is so hard to achieve in aging services. When a position is viewed as simply a job and not a career, it is easy to see why people leave for better paying jobs outside the industry. Employee retention in aging services is a big issue that will become even bigger as the population ages. Let’s look at some strategies to help retain the best workforce.
Direct care workers have hard jobs, are low paid, and nearly ever receive the rewards and recognition deserved. That is why employee retention is so hard to achieve in aging services. When a position is viewed as simply a job and not a career, it is easy to see why people leave for better paying jobs outside the industry. Employee retention in aging services is a big issue that will become even bigger as the population ages. Let’s look at some strategies to help retain the best workforce.
Palliative Care
Palliative Care is a misunderstood service most often associated with death and dying. In reality, palliative can give people a longer quality of life during any stage of life. It is specialized medical care for those with serious illnesses that focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of that illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Palliative Care is a misunderstood service most often associated with death and dying. In reality, palliative can give people a longer quality of life during any stage of life. It is specialized medical care for those with serious illnesses that focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of that illness. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the patient and the family.
Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene and good infection control practices in nursing homes and other care settings can go a long way in helping contain germs and disease.
Hand hygiene and good infection control practices in nursing homes and other care settings can go a long way in helping contain germs and disease.
Communicating with Patients
Communicating effectively with residents, patients and families is key to providing quality health care. The manner in which you communicate information can be equally as important as the information.
Communicating effectively with residents, patients and families is key to providing quality health care. The manner in which you communicate information can be equally as important as the information.
The Power of Music and Memory
The power of music and what it does to bring back memories is undeniable. In addition to enhancing quality of life, there are health benefits to an effective music program. It has been documented that seniors participating in music use fewer medications, fell less depressed, are less lonely, have higher morale and are more socially active. Let’s look at some of the science and the implication for activity directors.
The power of music and what it does to bring back memories is undeniable. In addition to enhancing quality of life, there are health benefits to an effective music program. It has been documented that seniors participating in music use fewer medications, fell less depressed, are less lonely, have higher morale and are more socially active. Let’s look at some of the science and the implication for activity directors.
Hospice Care Reimbursement
The arena of hospice care reimbursement is often misunderstood by the public and in fact a perception that it is not a covered service often makes caregivers shy away from seeking hospice services. This is what your potential clients should understand. Hospice is paid for through the Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid Hospice Benefit, and most private insurers. If a person does not have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or a private insurance company, hospice will work with the person and their family to ensure needed services can be provided.
The arena of hospice care reimbursement is often misunderstood by the public and in fact a perception that it is not a covered service often makes caregivers shy away from seeking hospice services. This is what your potential clients should understand. Hospice is paid for through the Medicare Hospice Benefit, Medicaid Hospice Benefit, and most private insurers. If a person does not have coverage through Medicare, Medicaid or a private insurance company, hospice will work with the person and their family to ensure needed services can be provided.
Preventing, Monitoring and Identifying Abusive Behavior by Your Staff
The long-term care industry is vastly misunderstood and usually lumped together as one entity. Most suffer from the image that carries over from perceptions of skilled nursing facilities - not only is a facility the place people go to die but that it is also a place where elders are abused. Actual statistics do not support the perception of rampant abuse; however, no abuse can be tolerated. This article looks at preventing, monitoring and identifying abusive behavior by your staff.
The long-term care industry is vastly misunderstood and usually lumped together as one entity. Most suffer from the image that carries over from perceptions of skilled nursing facilities - not only is a facility the place people go to die but that it is also a place where elders are abused. Actual statistics do not support the perception of rampant abuse; however, no abuse can be tolerated. This article looks at preventing, monitoring and identifying abusive behavior by your staff.
A Different Approach to Hospice Marketing
With hospice under scrutiny, it is hard to market these services. Especially since most people don't want to have the conversation around death and dying of a loved one. There is a broader way to approach the subject. Start a broader campaign that people can embrace and which starts the conversation around end of life issues.
With hospice under scrutiny, it is hard to market these services. Especially since most people don't want to have the conversation around death and dying of a loved one. There is a broader way to approach the subject. Start a broader campaign that people can embrace and which starts the conversation around end of life issues.
Disaster Planning in Long-Term Care
There is no shortage of disasters sweeping the world. And in some cases, no amount of preparation can spare you from bad consequences. But having a disaster plan in place for your facility can minimize those consequences. Start with a plan and then practice, practice, practice.
There is no shortage of disasters sweeping the world. And in some cases, no amount of preparation can spare you from bad consequences. But having a disaster plan in place for your facility can minimize those consequences. Start with a plan and then practice, practice, practice.
Gerontological Nurse Certification
Registered nurses are absolutely essential to quality health care. Board certification is the gold standard of excellence for many professions. For nurses employed in long term care, being certified as a Gerontological Nurse is the mark of distinction.
Registered nurses are absolutely essential to quality health care. Board certification is the gold standard of excellence for many professions. For nurses employed in long term care, being certified as a Gerontological Nurse is the mark of distinction.
Linked Senior
Electronics have revolutionized the world of activity programming for independent, assisted living and long term care facilities. Digital ideas must be part of every activity department! Linked Senior is a way to use technology to create activities customized to individual needs and to empower activity and programming staff.
Electronics have revolutionized the world of activity programming for independent, assisted living and long term care facilities. Digital ideas must be part of every activity department! Linked Senior is a way to use technology to create activities customized to individual needs and to empower activity and programming staff.
Healthcare Quality Improvement
Healthcare quality starts with people. And empowered people led by inspiring leaders are the key to quality improvement in aging services.
Healthcare quality starts with people. And empowered people led by inspiring leaders are the key to quality improvement in aging services.
Short Term Rehab Patients
A majority of older Americans will spend at least a short term stay recovering and rehabbing from medical miracles such as hip, knee and other joint replacements as well as serious medical conditions, ranging from a broken bone to a stroke. That is a challenge for activity directors.
A majority of older Americans will spend at least a short term stay recovering and rehabbing from medical miracles such as hip, knee and other joint replacements as well as serious medical conditions, ranging from a broken bone to a stroke. That is a challenge for activity directors.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help patients improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. They work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling condition. The outlook is bright. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average, and job opportunities should be good.
Occupational therapists help patients improve their ability to perform tasks in living and working environments. They work with individuals who suffer from a mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling condition. The outlook is bright. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average, and job opportunities should be good.
Busy Bee Lap Pad
One of the most difficult challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is the person’s withdraw from favorite activities. Christy Schmid faced this problem with long time family friend Bernice. She realized Bernice didn’t need just any ‘childish busy work’ but rather something that gave her the internal feeling of completing a task. To meet Bernice’s needs, through research, and lots of trial and error, Schmid created The Busy Bee Lap Pad.
One of the most difficult challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia is the person’s withdraw from favorite activities. Christy Schmid faced this problem with long time family friend Bernice. She realized Bernice didn’t need just any ‘childish busy work’ but rather something that gave her the internal feeling of completing a task. To meet Bernice’s needs, through research, and lots of trial and error, Schmid created The Busy Bee Lap Pad.
The Advantages of Career Ladders
Career ladders encourage, recognize, and reward capable employees. Successful performance and acquisition of additional skills through education or training prepare individuals for the next job level. Formal career ladder programs can be found in organizations large enough to have a hierarchy of related occupations plus enough growth and turnover to allow for movement up the ladders. Let's explore the advantages of career ladders.
Career ladders encourage, recognize, and reward capable employees. Successful performance and acquisition of additional skills through education or training prepare individuals for the next job level. Formal career ladder programs can be found in organizations large enough to have a hierarchy of related occupations plus enough growth and turnover to allow for movement up the ladders. Let's explore the advantages of career ladders.
Nursing Home Satisfaction
With so much emphasis on quality and satisfaction in healthcare, nursing homes have begun to measure their performance. My InnerView is a company that provides senior care leaders evidence-based management tools to better achieve their organization's goals. While this article is not an endorsement, it remains that My InnerView has a handle on industry effectiveness more so than any other entity. In this article we will look at their latest report on the industry, the National Survey of Consumer and Workforce Satisfaction in Nursing Homes.
With so much emphasis on quality and satisfaction in healthcare, nursing homes have begun to measure their performance. My InnerView is a company that provides senior care leaders evidence-based management tools to better achieve their organization's goals. While this article is not an endorsement, it remains that My InnerView has a handle on industry effectiveness more so than any other entity. In this article we will look at their latest report on the industry, the National Survey of Consumer and Workforce Satisfaction in Nursing Homes.
Medicaid Terms
A continuation of a glossary of medicaid terms usual for businesses interacting with these state programs.
A continuation of a glossary of medicaid terms usual for businesses interacting with these state programs.
Cognitive Patterns
The level of cognitive ability among nursing home residents helps determine a proper care plan and therefore contributes to their quality of care and quality of life. In the past understanding cognitive patterns was done by simply observing residents and making notes of what was observed. Much has changed under MDS 3.0.
The level of cognitive ability among nursing home residents helps determine a proper care plan and therefore contributes to their quality of care and quality of life. In the past understanding cognitive patterns was done by simply observing residents and making notes of what was observed. Much has changed under MDS 3.0.
Consistent Assignment
Consistent assignment, the idea that residents/clients see the same caregiver(s) all the time, results in more satisfied residents/clients and staff, less turnover and better quality of care. With better quality and better experiences, people talk. And word of mouth is your most potent marketing tool. Consistent staffing is the perfect formula for sustaining and growing your long-term care business.
Consistent assignment, the idea that residents/clients see the same caregiver(s) all the time, results in more satisfied residents/clients and staff, less turnover and better quality of care. With better quality and better experiences, people talk. And word of mouth is your most potent marketing tool. Consistent staffing is the perfect formula for sustaining and growing your long-term care business.
Silverado Integrated Communication System
The quiet issue is big in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living environments. Noise contributes to poor sleep and other health issues. Silverado Senior Living's quest to provide the highest quality of life and to maintain a home like environment for their residents, lead to a search to find a quiet and efficient nurse call system, getting away from overhead paging, loud radios and one way pagers.
The quiet issue is big in hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living environments. Noise contributes to poor sleep and other health issues. Silverado Senior Living's quest to provide the highest quality of life and to maintain a home like environment for their residents, lead to a search to find a quiet and efficient nurse call system, getting away from overhead paging, loud radios and one way pagers.
Adult Day Services Design & Safety
Adult day services design, environment and safety issues are paramount to quality of life for residents. We look at these issues in our continuing series of certification requirements for adult day services.
Adult day services design, environment and safety issues are paramount to quality of life for residents. We look at these issues in our continuing series of certification requirements for adult day services.
Ceramics
Ceramics can be a fun activity for all ages. And particularly it can be used for the short-stay rehabilitation patient too. Let's look at how to get started with using ceramics in your activity program.
Ceramics can be a fun activity for all ages. And particularly it can be used for the short-stay rehabilitation patient too. Let's look at how to get started with using ceramics in your activity program.
Non-Medical Home Care Franchise
A Franchise Business Review (FBR) 2012 Special Report on Senior Care Businesses paints a rosy portrait for the home care industry.
A Franchise Business Review (FBR) 2012 Special Report on Senior Care Businesses paints a rosy portrait for the home care industry.
Healthcare Opportunities Abound
A quick review of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the healthcare field is growing by leaps and bounds and along with it healthcare opportunities. This article explores the possibilities and potential of this industry. For many this will help crystallize decisions about entering this field.
A quick review of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the healthcare field is growing by leaps and bounds and along with it healthcare opportunities. This article explores the possibilities and potential of this industry. For many this will help crystallize decisions about entering this field.
SNFists
In October 2012, penalties for certain readmissions started for hospitals. With that came a new reliance by hospitals on their long-term care partners. A new breed of primary care providers called SNFists or SNFologists are full-time physicians in skilled nursing facilities, who are more readily available to patients at risk for readmission.
In October 2012, penalties for certain readmissions started for hospitals. With that came a new reliance by hospitals on their long-term care partners. A new breed of primary care providers called SNFists or SNFologists are full-time physicians in skilled nursing facilities, who are more readily available to patients at risk for readmission.
MDS 3.0 Skin Conditions
Skin conditions, such as pressure ulcers, are a big concern in both nursing and assisted living facilities. MDS 3.0 updates protocols for pressure ulcers, wounds, or lesions so that facilities can recognize and evaluate each resident’s risk factors and identify and evaluate all areas at risk of constant pressure.
Skin conditions, such as pressure ulcers, are a big concern in both nursing and assisted living facilities. MDS 3.0 updates protocols for pressure ulcers, wounds, or lesions so that facilities can recognize and evaluate each resident’s risk factors and identify and evaluate all areas at risk of constant pressure.
Dietary Preferences Instead of Dietary Supplements
Honoring residents’ choices in dining actually positions staff to get better clinical outcomes. Choices provide a road map for how to implement care interventions to meet care goals.
Honoring residents’ choices in dining actually positions staff to get better clinical outcomes. Choices provide a road map for how to implement care interventions to meet care goals.
Health Care Advocacy
Politics is always a hot topic and no more so than in the health care arena. Being versed in health care advocacy and the basics of advocacy and lobbying are good skills to acquire and can be good for your business.
Politics is always a hot topic and no more so than in the health care arena. Being versed in health care advocacy and the basics of advocacy and lobbying are good skills to acquire and can be good for your business.
Guest Writer: Gloria Hoffner
Gloria Hoffner is the owner of Guitar with Gloria and Science for Seniors providing activity programs at over 200 retirement communities.
Gloria Hoffner is the owner of Guitar with Gloria and Science for Seniors providing activity programs at over 200 retirement communities.
Art Activities
Art projects for seniors can enhance their quality of life while helping them learn a new skill. Art appreciation also helps foster lifelong learning and mind stimulation.
Art projects for seniors can enhance their quality of life while helping them learn a new skill. Art appreciation also helps foster lifelong learning and mind stimulation.
Disaster Prep Needs Work
Federal regulations require that Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes have written emergency
Federal regulations require that Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes have written emergency
Recruiting Healthcare Workers
One of the fastest growing segments of the economy is healthcare so you would think it would be easy to recruit the best healthcare workers for aging services businesses. Recruiting qualified healthcare workers for aging services has proven hard. There are some systemic issues related to this. So you need to start at the 50,000 foot level to understand the causes so you can move beyond the symptoms.
One of the fastest growing segments of the economy is healthcare so you would think it would be easy to recruit the best healthcare workers for aging services businesses. Recruiting qualified healthcare workers for aging services has proven hard. There are some systemic issues related to this. So you need to start at the 50,000 foot level to understand the causes so you can move beyond the symptoms.
A Vision for Aging in Place
People want to age in place. The problem is that the system of support services to facilitate aging in place treats symptoms not causes. In this article we will define a vision for aging in place and look at some of the trends and opportunities for service providers.
People want to age in place. The problem is that the system of support services to facilitate aging in place treats symptoms not causes. In this article we will define a vision for aging in place and look at some of the trends and opportunities for service providers.
Geriatric Care Manager
As caregivers and families cope with the overwhelming stress of caring for a loved one, a new profession, that of the Geriatric Care Manager is cropping up. A Geriatric Care Manager can help families who are caring for older relatives.
As caregivers and families cope with the overwhelming stress of caring for a loved one, a new profession, that of the Geriatric Care Manager is cropping up. A Geriatric Care Manager can help families who are caring for older relatives.
Workforce Satisfaction
Finding and keeping talented staff in the aging services industry is hard. Workforce satisfaction is more than wages and benefits. The intangibles of workforce satisfaction – respect and empowerment among others – are keys to retention and recruitment in the industry.
Finding and keeping talented staff in the aging services industry is hard. Workforce satisfaction is more than wages and benefits. The intangibles of workforce satisfaction – respect and empowerment among others – are keys to retention and recruitment in the industry.
Sustainable Practices in AL
Small steps towards sustainability can make an impact--both in the amount of resources your facility uses, to the overall well being and goodwill from the residents.
Small steps towards sustainability can make an impact--both in the amount of resources your facility uses, to the overall well being and goodwill from the residents.
MDS 3.0 Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury, morbidity, and mortality in older adults. MDS 3.0 guidelines looks to help providers minimize fall risk while treating fall injuries with the goal of achieving the best quality of life for residents.
Falls are a leading cause of injury, morbidity, and mortality in older adults. MDS 3.0 guidelines looks to help providers minimize fall risk while treating fall injuries with the goal of achieving the best quality of life for residents.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists careers are expected to grow much faster than average and job opportunities are good. More and more nursing homes are employing physical therapists as the industry embraces the rehabilitation business. In terms of hiring and staffing, this is a profession in demand.
Physical therapists careers are expected to grow much faster than average and job opportunities are good. More and more nursing homes are employing physical therapists as the industry embraces the rehabilitation business. In terms of hiring and staffing, this is a profession in demand.
Net Promoter Score
A Net Promoter Score (NPS) is based on the perspective that every company's customers can be divided into three categories: Promoters, Passives, and Detractors. By asking one simple question — How likely is it that you would recommend [Company X] to a friend or colleague? — you can track these groups and get a clear measure of your company's performance through its customers' eyes.
A Net Promoter Score (NPS) is based on the perspective that every company's customers can be divided into three categories: Promoters, Passives, and Detractors. By asking one simple question — How likely is it that you would recommend [Company X] to a friend or colleague? — you can track these groups and get a clear measure of your company's performance through its customers' eyes.
Assistive / Adaptive Technologies
Assistive and Adaptive Technologies help elders maintain their independence and are keys to aging in place. This overview of assistive and adaptive technologies should inspire you to explore this much needed area of aging services care. There are needs that require solutions. Can you fill those gaps? Start envisioning how.
Assistive and Adaptive Technologies help elders maintain their independence and are keys to aging in place. This overview of assistive and adaptive technologies should inspire you to explore this much needed area of aging services care. There are needs that require solutions. Can you fill those gaps? Start envisioning how.
Changing the Culture of Long-Term Care
There is no way to separate leadership and collaboration from culture change. Without leadership and collaboration, there is no culture change. Relationships, organizational practices, and physical environments cannot change without support and conviction form nursing home leadership.
There is no way to separate leadership and collaboration from culture change. Without leadership and collaboration, there is no culture change. Relationships, organizational practices, and physical environments cannot change without support and conviction form nursing home leadership.
MDS 3.0 Swallowing / Nutritional Status
The ability to swallow safely can be affected by many disease processes and functional decline. Losing the ability to swallow can result in choking and aspiration, which can increase the resident’s risk for malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Adequate nutrition and hydration is essential to a quality of life for seniors. The MDS 3.0 guidelines on Swallowing and Nutritional Status can provide a blueprint for care.
The ability to swallow safely can be affected by many disease processes and functional decline. Losing the ability to swallow can result in choking and aspiration, which can increase the resident’s risk for malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Adequate nutrition and hydration is essential to a quality of life for seniors. The MDS 3.0 guidelines on Swallowing and Nutritional Status can provide a blueprint for care.
Cultural Sensitivity Training
A comprehensive culture sensitivity program should discuss overall organizational cultural competence as well as focus on the specific population groups and/or health issues that are relevant to the community. A well-rounded program also should help clinicians with diagnostic issues, such as identifying health conditions specific to certain ethnic patient populations or conducting skin assessments for patients with skin of color.
A comprehensive culture sensitivity program should discuss overall organizational cultural competence as well as focus on the specific population groups and/or health issues that are relevant to the community. A well-rounded program also should help clinicians with diagnostic issues, such as identifying health conditions specific to certain ethnic patient populations or conducting skin assessments for patients with skin of color.
Guest Writer: Lori Juneau-Alford
Lori Juneau-Alford is...
Lori Juneau-Alford is...
Nursing Homes and Flu
There is no worse place to introduce a flu epidemic than in a health care setting. And nursing homes and the flu could be a deadly combination. Here are things to keep in mind for preventing and/or containing the spread of flu in your facility.
There is no worse place to introduce a flu epidemic than in a health care setting. And nursing homes and the flu could be a deadly combination. Here are things to keep in mind for preventing and/or containing the spread of flu in your facility.
Economic Impact of Long-Term Care
A report by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) shows that the nation’s nearly 16,000 nursing homes provide $153.8 billion of direct economic impact to state economic activity (1.1%) and $371.9 billion of total impact (2.7%) to state economic activity. Clearly the economic impact of long-term care is large.
A report by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) shows that the nation’s nearly 16,000 nursing homes provide $153.8 billion of direct economic impact to state economic activity (1.1%) and $371.9 billion of total impact (2.7%) to state economic activity. Clearly the economic impact of long-term care is large.
Choosing a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Provider
From choosing a geriatric care manager to doing your internet homework to touring a facility, there is a lot that goes into making an informed decision about care for a loved one.
From choosing a geriatric care manager to doing your internet homework to touring a facility, there is a lot that goes into making an informed decision about care for a loved one.
Policies Around Sex
The Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, New York is a benchmark organization when it comes to honoring resident preference among a sensitive topic - sex.
The Hebrew Home for the Aged in Riverdale, New York is a benchmark organization when it comes to honoring resident preference among a sensitive topic - sex.
Centralized Purchasing Success at Silverado
Centralizing the purchasing process can be accomplished by any senior living organization. Hiring the right team and using the proper tools can transform the procurement process from being an underutilized service to becoming an integrated part of the company’s strategic planning and growth.
Centralizing the purchasing process can be accomplished by any senior living organization. Hiring the right team and using the proper tools can transform the procurement process from being an underutilized service to becoming an integrated part of the company’s strategic planning and growth.
Guest Author: Frosini Rubertino
Frosini is the founder of TrainingInMotion.org providing training workshops for long-term care professionals.
Frosini is the founder of TrainingInMotion.org providing training workshops for long-term care professionals.
Memory Mats
Enter the dining room of most long term care, personal care and assisted living dining rooms and you will notice an absence. Not of food. Not of people. But of conversation! A new product could help.
Enter the dining room of most long term care, personal care and assisted living dining rooms and you will notice an absence. Not of food. Not of people. But of conversation! A new product could help.
SureWash Infection Control
SureWash was developed over five years in Trinity College Dublin. It makes hand hygiene training and compliance much less labor intensive by combining an e-learning system with patented video measurement technology.
SureWash was developed over five years in Trinity College Dublin. It makes hand hygiene training and compliance much less labor intensive by combining an e-learning system with patented video measurement technology.
Hospice Care Overview
Each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our loved ones will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. That is the belief of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and is reflected in the work that hospice providers do around the country. Yet hospice is very misunderstood. Let’s start clearing this up.
Each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our loved ones will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. That is the belief of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and is reflected in the work that hospice providers do around the country. Yet hospice is very misunderstood. Let’s start clearing this up.
Music and Activities
The power of music and what it does to bring back memories is undeniable. In addition to enhancing quality of life, there are health benefits to an effective music program. It has been documented that seniors participating in music use fewer medications, fell less depressed, are less lonely, have higher morale and are more socially active.
The power of music and what it does to bring back memories is undeniable. In addition to enhancing quality of life, there are health benefits to an effective music program. It has been documented that seniors participating in music use fewer medications, fell less depressed, are less lonely, have higher morale and are more socially active.
Using Food to Evoke Memories
Nothing says home like the smell, sight and taste of a familiar recipe. One senior living organization is using a cookbook to evoke memories for seniors under their care.
Nothing says home like the smell, sight and taste of a familiar recipe. One senior living organization is using a cookbook to evoke memories for seniors under their care.
ICD-10
ICD-10 implementation while postponed, was set to begin in October of 2013. Still organizations should prepare.
ICD-10 implementation while postponed, was set to begin in October of 2013. Still organizations should prepare.
Choosing a Geriatric Care Manager
When choosing care for mom or dad and eventually yourself, it is often hard to know where to start and how to evaluate your care choices. You might want to start with a Care Management Service.
When choosing care for mom or dad and eventually yourself, it is often hard to know where to start and how to evaluate your care choices. You might want to start with a Care Management Service.
Medicaid Claims Processing
Let's face it. Claims processing is a pain! But if you are diligent in submission and tracking, you stand a better chance of getting paid on time. Let's look at some best practices in filing.
Let's face it. Claims processing is a pain! But if you are diligent in submission and tracking, you stand a better chance of getting paid on time. Let's look at some best practices in filing.
Satisfaction with Assisted Living
The first national survey measuring the satisfaction of residents, family and staff of assisted living facilities concludes that when it comes to assisted living satisfaction, residents seem very happy while workers are less so. The latter impacts the former. But overall things are looking good for the industry.
The first national survey measuring the satisfaction of residents, family and staff of assisted living facilities concludes that when it comes to assisted living satisfaction, residents seem very happy while workers are less so. The latter impacts the former. But overall things are looking good for the industry.
Design Strategies for Memory Care
There are many old stereotypes when it comes to memory care design. While respecting the research that deals with colors, patterns, sights and sounds, you can use bold design to enrich the lives of residents.
There are many old stereotypes when it comes to memory care design. While respecting the research that deals with colors, patterns, sights and sounds, you can use bold design to enrich the lives of residents.
Adult Day Services
With the continued push towards aging in place, adult day services or adult day centers play a vital role in the quality of life for our seniors. In this hub we look at statistics for the industry, state rules and regulations, certification, record keeping, service requirements, design environment and safety, as well as staffing.
With the continued push towards aging in place, adult day services or adult day centers play a vital role in the quality of life for our seniors. In this hub we look at statistics for the industry, state rules and regulations, certification, record keeping, service requirements, design environment and safety, as well as staffing.
Hospice Gives Hope
Each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our loved ones will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. That is the belief of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and is reflected in the work that hospice providers do around the country. Yet hospice is very misunderstood. Let’s start clearing this up.
Each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our loved ones will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. That is the belief of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and is reflected in the work that hospice providers do around the country. Yet hospice is very misunderstood. Let’s start clearing this up.
Build Your Own Career Ladder
Build your own ladder or lattice using Department of Labor tools. At CareerOneStop, an initiative from the Department of Labor, you can actually follow a process to design your own career ladder.
Build your own ladder or lattice using Department of Labor tools. At CareerOneStop, an initiative from the Department of Labor, you can actually follow a process to design your own career ladder.
Cultural Sensitivity in LTC
As the number of ethnic and minority populations age and as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community ages as well, being culturally aware will become more important in aging services. And serving these populations with respect and dignity will be a driving force behind true culture change.
As the number of ethnic and minority populations age and as the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community ages as well, being culturally aware will become more important in aging services. And serving these populations with respect and dignity will be a driving force behind true culture change.
Disclosing Medical Errors
Medical and non-medical errors happen in aging services every day. How you disclose them is critical to your organization's reputation. You do disclose them don't you?!
Medical and non-medical errors happen in aging services every day. How you disclose them is critical to your organization's reputation. You do disclose them don't you?!
Pain Management
Pain can cause suffering for nursing home residents and can result in inactivity, social withdrawal, depression, and functional decline. That is why effective pain management is so important in improving the quality of life for residents. MDS 3.0 regulations around pain management seek to assess the presence of pain, pain frequency, effect on function, intensity, management and control.
Pain can cause suffering for nursing home residents and can result in inactivity, social withdrawal, depression, and functional decline. That is why effective pain management is so important in improving the quality of life for residents. MDS 3.0 regulations around pain management seek to assess the presence of pain, pain frequency, effect on function, intensity, management and control.
Security and Privacy in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are becoming more like hospitals. Yet security and privacy in nursing homes have not necessarily kept up with hospital counterparts. And when you read reports that show 90 percent of nursing homes employ ex-cons, well, it becomes more imperative to know exactly who your patients are, who your employees are and even know who the visitors and vendors are that roam around your facility. This article looks at available and emerging technologies.
Nursing homes are becoming more like hospitals. Yet security and privacy in nursing homes have not necessarily kept up with hospital counterparts. And when you read reports that show 90 percent of nursing homes employ ex-cons, well, it becomes more imperative to know exactly who your patients are, who your employees are and even know who the visitors and vendors are that roam around your facility. This article looks at available and emerging technologies.
Red Flag Rules
Red flag rules are designed to help businesses spot suspicious patterns that may arise and take steps to prevent a red flag from escalating into a costly episode of identity theft. Here is an overview.
Red flag rules are designed to help businesses spot suspicious patterns that may arise and take steps to prevent a red flag from escalating into a costly episode of identity theft. Here is an overview.
Leadership Development
With the shift to wellness in healthcare and the demands of a boomer generation for holistic care comes a need for next generation leaders. For the assisted living community, an internship program could be the answer.
With the shift to wellness in healthcare and the demands of a boomer generation for holistic care comes a need for next generation leaders. For the assisted living community, an internship program could be the answer.
Healthcare Social Media
Everyone is abuzz about the social media. Yet its application for healthcare is not entirely clear. Let’s simplify the social media equation for healthcare organizations.
Everyone is abuzz about the social media. Yet its application for healthcare is not entirely clear. Let’s simplify the social media equation for healthcare organizations.
The Ipod Shuffle
Remember your last really bad day at work? Feeling frustrated, maybe sad, and perhaps even angry at the end of the day? And then remember getting in your car, starting the engine and suddenly your favorite song from high school is blasting through the radio speakers. The next thing you know, you are singing, smiling and your mood has totally changed! Imagine recreating that atmosphere for elders in nursing facilities. That is the idea behind Music and Memory, a program that is improving the quality of life of the elderly and ill through iPod based personalized music.
Remember your last really bad day at work? Feeling frustrated, maybe sad, and perhaps even angry at the end of the day? And then remember getting in your car, starting the engine and suddenly your favorite song from high school is blasting through the radio speakers. The next thing you know, you are singing, smiling and your mood has totally changed! Imagine recreating that atmosphere for elders in nursing facilities. That is the idea behind Music and Memory, a program that is improving the quality of life of the elderly and ill through iPod based personalized music.
Adult Day Services Staffing & Administration
In our continuing series on Adult Day Services, we devote this article to staffing. Here are some considerations. All employees and volunteers must have a background check. Each staff person and volunteer must be competent and qualified for the position held. Staff must hold personal information about participants and their families in confidence, treating all participants with respect and dignity. Let’s look at the requirements.
In our continuing series on Adult Day Services, we devote this article to staffing. Here are some considerations. All employees and volunteers must have a background check. Each staff person and volunteer must be competent and qualified for the position held. Staff must hold personal information about participants and their families in confidence, treating all participants with respect and dignity. Let’s look at the requirements.
LifeStories
LifeStories a program that uses resident information, reminiscing, validation therapy and research on the web to help residents share and discuss their history.
LifeStories a program that uses resident information, reminiscing, validation therapy and research on the web to help residents share and discuss their history.
Restraints
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to reducing unnecessary physical restraint in nursing homes and ensuring that residents are free of physical restraints unless deemed necessary and appropriate as permitted by regulation. Proper interpretation of the physical restraint definition is necessary to understand if nursing homes are accurately assessing devices as physical restraints and meeting the federal requirement for restraint use.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to reducing unnecessary physical restraint in nursing homes and ensuring that residents are free of physical restraints unless deemed necessary and appropriate as permitted by regulation. Proper interpretation of the physical restraint definition is necessary to understand if nursing homes are accurately assessing devices as physical restraints and meeting the federal requirement for restraint use.
Activity Professional Careers
Residential living communities for seniors have a unique responsibility to provide not only food, shelter and health care, but also provide for the mental well being of their residents. The activities program is one way to provide for that well being and the activity professional is key.
Residential living communities for seniors have a unique responsibility to provide not only food, shelter and health care, but also provide for the mental well being of their residents. The activities program is one way to provide for that well being and the activity professional is key.
Pinterest
Pinterest is an online communication tool in which save and organize your favorite things from the Internet on virtual boards with an emphasis on visual communication. Think healthcare cannot use it? Think again.
Pinterest is an online communication tool in which save and organize your favorite things from the Internet on virtual boards with an emphasis on visual communication. Think healthcare cannot use it? Think again.
Packaging Long-Term Care
We are used to a nickel and dime economy. You buy something for a base price but then find out to really get what you want you need to add on services and costs. Savvy companies know how to package services so that they not only create good will but profits as well.
We are used to a nickel and dime economy. You buy something for a base price but then find out to really get what you want you need to add on services and costs. Savvy companies know how to package services so that they not only create good will but profits as well.
Live to 100!
Boomers following the advice given here at about.com and my sister blog (Who Moved My Dentures?) might actually start thinking that they are feeling good so mentally and physically that they could live to be 100!” Well yes you can. But are you prepared? Let’s look at some tips providers can offer their communities and individuals can follow for their own well-being.
Boomers following the advice given here at about.com and my sister blog (Who Moved My Dentures?) might actually start thinking that they are feeling good so mentally and physically that they could live to be 100!” Well yes you can. But are you prepared? Let’s look at some tips providers can offer their communities and individuals can follow for their own well-being.
Adult Day Services Becoming Certified
As the push for aging in place grows, Adult Day Centers will become increasingly important. And the rules governing them will grow as well. The certification of these centers is important. In this article we look at one state’s requirements – Oregon – as a template for other states and for providers contemplating entry into this market.
As the push for aging in place grows, Adult Day Centers will become increasingly important. And the rules governing them will grow as well. The certification of these centers is important. In this article we look at one state’s requirements – Oregon – as a template for other states and for providers contemplating entry into this market.
Nine Steps to Consistent Assignment
Consistent assignment results in more satisfied residents/clients and staff, less turnover and better quality of care. Here are nine steps to get you started.
Consistent assignment results in more satisfied residents/clients and staff, less turnover and better quality of care. Here are nine steps to get you started.
Home Remodeling for Aging in Place
Aging in place is the ability to live in one's own home for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. One of the keys to successful aging in place is to remodel the home to accommodate that. That has spawned a lucrative aging in place home remodeling and design industry.
Aging in place is the ability to live in one's own home for as long as confidently and comfortably possible. One of the keys to successful aging in place is to remodel the home to accommodate that. That has spawned a lucrative aging in place home remodeling and design industry.
Hiring and Retaining the Best
Long-Term care providers need to hire and retain the best and share what has worked with others. If not the industry will continue the cycle of turnover and replacement of workers.
Long-Term care providers need to hire and retain the best and share what has worked with others. If not the industry will continue the cycle of turnover and replacement of workers.
Evaluating a Care Facility
Before you visit a care home, you will still want to do your own homework in choosing a nursing home, assisted living or other provider of care. Consider the following steps.
Before you visit a care home, you will still want to do your own homework in choosing a nursing home, assisted living or other provider of care. Consider the following steps.
Rescuing a Bad Experience
Your marketing is all about the experience you provide to people and how they then talk about it. So what if the experience is bad? How do you rescue it?
Your marketing is all about the experience you provide to people and how they then talk about it. So what if the experience is bad? How do you rescue it?
Developing a Continuity of Care Document
The Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs provide financial incentives for the “meaningful use” of certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) technology to improve patient care. To receive an EHR incentive payment, providers have to show that they are “meaningfully using” their EHRs by meeting certain thresholds. The continuity of care document – CCD - —is considered an important step for the next phase of meaningful use.
The Medicare and Medicaid EHR Incentive Programs provide financial incentives for the “meaningful use” of certified Electronic Health Record (EHR) technology to improve patient care. To receive an EHR incentive payment, providers have to show that they are “meaningfully using” their EHRs by meeting certain thresholds. The continuity of care document – CCD - —is considered an important step for the next phase of meaningful use.
MDS Nutritional Status
The intent of Section K of the MDS assessment, Swallowing/Nutritional Status, is to identify conditions that could impact a resident’s ability to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration.
The intent of Section K of the MDS assessment, Swallowing/Nutritional Status, is to identify conditions that could impact a resident’s ability to maintain adequate nutrition and hydration.
Paying for Long-Term Care
The financing of long-term care can be confusing, expensive, and onerous. There are five ways to pay for care.
The financing of long-term care can be confusing, expensive, and onerous. There are five ways to pay for care.
Pathway to Excellence in LTC
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) new Pathway to Excellence in Long Term CareTM (PTE-LTC) Program is the first recognition of its kind for long-term-care facilities. PTE-LTC acknowledges long-term-care facilities that foster work environments where nurses and nursing staff can thrive, substantiates the professional satisfaction of nurses, and identifies the best places to work. Find out how to be credentialed.
The American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) new Pathway to Excellence in Long Term CareTM (PTE-LTC) Program is the first recognition of its kind for long-term-care facilities. PTE-LTC acknowledges long-term-care facilities that foster work environments where nurses and nursing staff can thrive, substantiates the professional satisfaction of nurses, and identifies the best places to work. Find out how to be credentialed.
RAC
Fraud and abuse in the federal payment system is coming under more and more scrutiny. Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) detect and correct past improper payments so that CMS and Carriers, Financial Intermediaries (FI) and Medicare Administrator Contractors (MAC) can prevent future improper payments. Medicare processes over 1.2 billion claims each year, submitted by more than 1 million health care providers such as hospitals, physicians, skilled nursing facilities, labs, ambulance companies, and durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers.
Fraud and abuse in the federal payment system is coming under more and more scrutiny. Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) detect and correct past improper payments so that CMS and Carriers, Financial Intermediaries (FI) and Medicare Administrator Contractors (MAC) can prevent future improper payments. Medicare processes over 1.2 billion claims each year, submitted by more than 1 million health care providers such as hospitals, physicians, skilled nursing facilities, labs, ambulance companies, and durable medical equipment (DME) suppliers.
Home Health CAHPS
The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Home Health Care Survey is designed to measure the experiences of people receiving home health care from Medicare-certified home health care agencies.
The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Home Health Care Survey is designed to measure the experiences of people receiving home health care from Medicare-certified home health care agencies.
Tech Classes for Seniors
Project Looking Glass II, an effort that placed a researcher in a retirement community for one month, uncovered some interesting findings on technology’s importance and intimidation factors for seniors.
Project Looking Glass II, an effort that placed a researcher in a retirement community for one month, uncovered some interesting findings on technology’s importance and intimidation factors for seniors.
Culture Change in Nursing Homes
There has been a lot of talk in long-term care about culture change, person-centered care, person-centered living. Much like hospitals there has been a lot of lip service to changing experiences. Something as important as the experience we provide to residents and patients should not be left to chance. That is why you need a Chief Experience Officer.
There has been a lot of talk in long-term care about culture change, person-centered care, person-centered living. Much like hospitals there has been a lot of lip service to changing experiences. Something as important as the experience we provide to residents and patients should not be left to chance. That is why you need a Chief Experience Officer.
Technology Driven Activities
This hub contains articles related to seniors and activities.
This hub contains articles related to seniors and activities.
Swallowing / Nutritional Ststus
The ability to swallow safely can be affected by many disease processes and functional decline. Losing the ability to swallow can result in choking and aspiration, which can increase the resident’s risk for malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Adequate nutrition and hydration is essential to a quality of life for seniors. The MDS 3.0 guidelines on Swallowing and Nutritional Status can provide a blueprint for care.
The ability to swallow safely can be affected by many disease processes and functional decline. Losing the ability to swallow can result in choking and aspiration, which can increase the resident’s risk for malnutrition, dehydration, and aspiration pneumonia. Adequate nutrition and hydration is essential to a quality of life for seniors. The MDS 3.0 guidelines on Swallowing and Nutritional Status can provide a blueprint for care.
Quality Organizations in Long-Term Care and Aging Services
There are many quality initiatives being pursued in the aging services sector. Many overlap. Often you will see many of the same quality organizations in long-term care and aging services cooperating on these initiatives. Sometimes there are separate initiatives being pursued. Being versed in the healthcare players can jump start your education around quality and aging services.
There are many quality initiatives being pursued in the aging services sector. Many overlap. Often you will see many of the same quality organizations in long-term care and aging services cooperating on these initiatives. Sometimes there are separate initiatives being pursued. Being versed in the healthcare players can jump start your education around quality and aging services.
For Love & Art
Love & Art is a charity that brings the experience of viewing art museum collections to your residents.
Love & Art is a charity that brings the experience of viewing art museum collections to your residents.
Life Stories
There’s an old saying in journalism, “Everyone has a story”. Activity directors know this is true. But how do you draw out the fascinating tales of your residents’ lives in a way which preserves and shares this unique view of history? How do you help them to tell their life story?
There’s an old saying in journalism, “Everyone has a story”. Activity directors know this is true. But how do you draw out the fascinating tales of your residents’ lives in a way which preserves and shares this unique view of history? How do you help them to tell their life story?
Adult Day Services Record Keeping
Adult Day Services, more commonly known as Adult Medical Day Care Centers or Adult Day Care Centers are becoming increasingly popular. And therefore they are also becoming more scrutinized. One part of the certification process covered in this article is record keeping and service requirements.
Adult Day Services, more commonly known as Adult Medical Day Care Centers or Adult Day Care Centers are becoming increasingly popular. And therefore they are also becoming more scrutinized. One part of the certification process covered in this article is record keeping and service requirements.
Guest Writer: Susan Berry
Susan Berry is a Senior Consultant with CMS Compliance Group, Inc. (CMSCG).
Susan Berry is a Senior Consultant with CMS Compliance Group, Inc. (CMSCG).
Smooth Transitions in Care
Thirty percent of re-hospitalizations in nursing homes occur for residents who have been there for seven days or less. Getting care right from the start makes a big difference in whether a nursing home stay is successful.
Thirty percent of re-hospitalizations in nursing homes occur for residents who have been there for seven days or less. Getting care right from the start makes a big difference in whether a nursing home stay is successful.
Life History Project
Everyone has a story, but often we learn their story too late. That’s the reality that motivated Sheila Brune to create The Living History Program (copyrighted), a program that records and creates a the personal story of the patients at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, Illinois.
Everyone has a story, but often we learn their story too late. That’s the reality that motivated Sheila Brune to create The Living History Program (copyrighted), a program that records and creates a the personal story of the patients at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, Illinois.
The Accountable Care Organization
The Patient Protection and Affordability Act called for the creation of accountable care organizations as part of the delivery model of care. While aging services were in some ways left out of the discussion it is important for them to understand what an accountable organization is and how they might fit in one eventually.
The Patient Protection and Affordability Act called for the creation of accountable care organizations as part of the delivery model of care. While aging services were in some ways left out of the discussion it is important for them to understand what an accountable organization is and how they might fit in one eventually.
Home Health CAHPS Web Site Reports
The Home Health Care CAHPS (HHCAHPS) Survey Data Center generates a number of reports to indicate the status of data submissions and the quality of the data submitted.
The Home Health Care CAHPS (HHCAHPS) Survey Data Center generates a number of reports to indicate the status of data submissions and the quality of the data submitted.
Home Health CAHPS 3
The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Home Health Care Survey , also referred
The Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Home Health Care Survey , also referred
Eliminating Alarms to Reduce Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury, morbidity, and mortality in older adults. While MDS 3.0 guidelines looks to help providers minimize fall risks, there are apparent fall reduction mechanisms, like alarms, that actually contribute to falls as opposed to preventing them. In this article, we look at how to reduce alarms and therefore falls in facilities.
Falls are a leading cause of injury, morbidity, and mortality in older adults. While MDS 3.0 guidelines looks to help providers minimize fall risks, there are apparent fall reduction mechanisms, like alarms, that actually contribute to falls as opposed to preventing them. In this article, we look at how to reduce alarms and therefore falls in facilities.
Designing Healthcare Spaces
Kathy Bradway is an interior designer for health care for brings a residential perspective to her design. Full of rich colors, her designs are colorful, cheerful, and fun. You don't have to understand gerontological design theories and color theory to make an effective senior living space.
Kathy Bradway is an interior designer for health care for brings a residential perspective to her design. Full of rich colors, her designs are colorful, cheerful, and fun. You don't have to understand gerontological design theories and color theory to make an effective senior living space.
Taking a Nursing Home Tour, Part Two
It’s time to take a tour of the nursing home or assisted living facility you are considering. Here is the second of two articles.
It’s time to take a tour of the nursing home or assisted living facility you are considering. Here is the second of two articles.